Blue Ridge, Georgia: Combine a Mountain Getaway with Unique Shopping
From fishermen to art collectors, one of the South’s “Best Mountain Towns” offers treasures for all
A shopping experience + a getaway in Blue Ridge, Georgia
Blue Ridge, Georgia is a charming North Georgia mountain town about 90 minutes north of Atlanta via I-575. From fresh air and scenic views to shopping, dining and relaxing places to stay, this chic and casual vacation spot was named by Southern Living Magazine as one of the “South’s Best Mountain Towns, 2021.” Of all the towns in North Georgia, Blue Ridge has the largest array of specialty shops, boutiques and galleries for fine furnishings, art, antiques, clothing and jewelry. These locally owned shops offer out-of-the-ordinary items that make perfect gifts and are perfect for yourself. This town boasts more than 120 shops, from children and pet boutiques to international wares worthy of a bazaar to clothing, outdoor outfitters, Peruvian, Middle Eastern and African shops, outdoor art, and even not-for-profit thrift stores that donate to favorite causes.
![](https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/OysterRodEnd.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=515af94c5b10bcc8c648d87a338283fa 320w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/OysterRodEnd.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=547b95c608de0f5d6c6b33d3d9900f08 540w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/OysterRodEnd.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=182e822c51eb2ce63e3d4a82c7a2935b 768w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/OysterRodEnd.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&q=80&w=1024&s=0670f38e6d4d84fa645591cbb9be1295 1024w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/OysterRodEnd.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=900&q=80&w=1200&s=a2c789df28b88e777f58b23bd79bac68 1200w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/OysterRodEnd.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1080&q=80&w=1440&s=213c9d72f3df1739d092e79121b2ccf2 1440w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/OysterRodEnd.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1440&q=80&w=1920&s=1560198a098ad2d8bfadd55f0d192d78 1915w)
Crafted in Blue Ridge
Looking for unique artisan-crafted items? Blue Ridge has been named one of the “Top 10 Towns for Craft Lovers” in the country. For fly fishers, Bill Oyster, of Oyster Fine Bamboo Fly Rods has created handcrafted bamboo fly rods for Presidents and for buyers across the globe. Each masterpiece rod takes about 50 hours to make. His fly rod crafting classes are in high demand. Either would make a treasured gift. Shop Pezrock gallery's collection of exquisite minerals; fossils and carved wildlife driftwood, teak furniture; petrified wood sinks and tables; custom fireplace mantels and more.
![](https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/main-images/canoe.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=c0969546cc8f1249b15e555422e0e8cf 320w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/main-images/canoe.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=6ac248c837f4b8fc213efeff521aa25b 540w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/main-images/canoe.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=11d91011cea370e88758da518c8bdae6 768w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/main-images/canoe.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&q=80&w=1024&s=7497c19185d0faf82e3083fb49f8d7bc 1024w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/main-images/canoe.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=900&q=80&w=1200&s=c8a7cd70392b53bae32cc2970257ee97 1200w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/main-images/canoe.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1080&q=80&w=1440&s=07f060d226b30a7bee6c721f6791ecd5 1440w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/main-images/canoe.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1440&q=80&w=1920&s=0690efb2a358a5d11ef8b789cd2710ba 1920w)
Creative entrepreneur Lynn Kemp, owner of Canoe, has turned her creativity from designing handbags to her love of painting. Large abstract statement paintings and small, from oil and acrylic to inks are for sale, along with handcrafted jewelry, luxury candles, coffee table books and books on entertaining. Hand-crafted furniture, live edge tables and accessories can be found in more than a few stores throughout the area. Be sure to head over to our other mountain town, McCaysville and check out the great shops Christmas is Here! features hand-made and American-made artists work. Enjoy a range of Christmas and other gift items.
Check out the downloadable Blue Ridge Shopping map and then find even more details here.
Lots of foodie treasures along the way
![](https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/main-images/Pasta06.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=6e10efc0fd401312689b328c03d12855 320w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/main-images/Pasta06.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=5e9e7d3c456cfc64b030537a57bc715b 540w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/main-images/Pasta06.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=5943b137dccd17663ac1d4479fb5c986 768w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/main-images/Pasta06.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&q=80&w=1024&s=39a9d400489661e4a72b2366d14e8f2e 1024w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/main-images/Pasta06.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=900&q=80&w=1200&s=7f57c125597d8ae4f547ababa6e45a8b 1200w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/main-images/Pasta06.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1080&q=80&w=1440&s=432b4d2fdeed4ea13ef4bf73f9547557 1440w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/main-images/Pasta06.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1440&q=80&w=1920&s=62769d86a076d52fd50fa209fbace400 1867w)
Shop ‘til You Snack
Fortify yourself for a shopping marathon and shop while you snack. In Hampton Square in the heart of downtown, The Pasta Market - Blue Ridge offers a colorful and welcoming artisanal market, has a secret wine bar and offers wine tastings and tapas-style plates. Wines from Italy, Napa Valley, and Sonoma are sold by the bottle and exceptional pre-made and custom gift baskets are available, along with kitchen and home accessories such as ceramics, cheese boards, and candles. The Sweet Shoppe of Blue Ridge is a winner of Food Network's "Cupcake Wars," and some of their items can also be shipped. Post-shopping, relax with a beer, glass of wine or a hand-crafted cocktail and peruse the menu at Hook & Eye Rooftop Bar at the new Hampton Inn Blue Ridge, The Vine and Eatery or The General Ledger.
![](https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/main-images/Mercier-Sparkling-Cider-2015.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=18df439e17c19cb80889e8e2063e5763 320w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/main-images/Mercier-Sparkling-Cider-2015.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=734069d34453b7fa7fa7f93034af4f33 540w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/main-images/Mercier-Sparkling-Cider-2015.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=e25db8fc244c1a204c7669d1bf13328f 701w)
For gifts that showcase the bounty of the harvest (and to enjoy yourself) head just a little farther to Mercier Orchards. The largest apple orchard in the southeast, known as Southern Living Magazine's "favorite roadside apple market," has been in the family since 1942. The kitchen makes irresistible fried pies, fritters, cider and apple butter, not to mention caramel apples, fudge, brittle and more. Have them wrapped up into deliciously unique gift baskets.
Blue Ridge is a true North Georgia foodie destination, with a cornucopia of casual, fine and late-night restaurants located throughout the downtown area. Don’t miss out on some memorable meals. Here’s a list of where to eat www.BlueRidgeMountains.com/restaurants and a map of area dining.
Art galleries, antiques and uniques
![](https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/main-images/Shopping-blog-4-elements-art-nov-enews-2022.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=7798bf1e9ed8f2dbccc0f78c2025f08c 320w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/main-images/Shopping-blog-4-elements-art-nov-enews-2022.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=bc5debea047a1195c79e3c40efb66399 540w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/main-images/Shopping-blog-4-elements-art-nov-enews-2022.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=1e4ab90763ad5fef54a320baea27bdb7 768w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/main-images/Shopping-blog-4-elements-art-nov-enews-2022.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&q=80&w=1024&s=a099af8f9537d9dee9ec26357d32770e 799w)
Among the fine art galleries in the area are 4 Elements Art, High Country Art, Multitudes Gallery, and Turning Leaf - A Fine Art Gallery, in downtown Blue Ridge. The Art Center is headquarters for the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, located in the historic Fannin County Courthouse Peruse pieces from their 600 member artists. Watch some of them at work while selecting your purchases. Here’s a complete listing of Art Galleries. For a treasure-hunt shopping adventure, take the Antique & Uniques Self-Guided Tour featuring 24 local favorites along a winding trail from Blue Ridge to McCaysville. Click Antiques and Uniques Shopping Guide to download the free printable guide.
Where To Stay in Blue Ridge GA
![](https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/main-images/HookEyeB2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=1cc2db08a9ef01074f0b96593165e007 320w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/main-images/HookEyeB2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=2afaf8b151efe6d4a3d475fee9d7d7f6 540w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/main-images/HookEyeB2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=6325fe1ad0563ebe79f27450910bd087 768w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/main-images/HookEyeB2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&q=80&w=1024&s=435a5937935c44c0c73a5132a060bdd5 1024w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/main-images/HookEyeB2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=900&q=80&w=1200&s=9f9c3f801a21eb1df8fb44fcf337c8b3 1200w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/main-images/HookEyeB2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1080&q=80&w=1440&s=12ab6ad03dbceae0dd5c62479f70c545 1427w)
With so much browsing and shopping, plan on staying awhile. Intown, secluded overnight options are possible, ranging from chic lofts overlooking the town to an 1890s B&B or in the new, stylish Hampton Inn Blue Ridge featuring balcony rooms and the city’s only rooftop bar/restaurant, Hook & Eye. Follow this link to discover all Intown Blue Ridge lodging.
Looking for a mountain retreat? Because 40 percent of Fannin County is located within the Chattahoochee National Forest, sweeping views can be enjoyed from windows and decks or on a close-by hike in the woods to a waterfall. Choices include mountain hideaways, creekside retreats, riverfront lodges, cabins on the lake and much more. Indulge in a one-of-a-kind escape in a romantic treehouse at Bear Claw Vineyard built by “The Treehouse Guys” on DIY network, complete with a galley kitchen and bath. Serenity in the Mountains offers spa and suite packages that include a 90-minute couples massage and much more.
To search for the perfect accommodations, go to: www.BlueRidgeMountains.com/where-to-stay
www.BlueRidgeMountains.com